In an exciting development for film enthusiasts, Variety has recently shared an exclusive clip of the highly anticipated movie 'La Cocina.' The film is written and directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, who has crafted a captivating storyline set to make its world premiere in competition at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival, scheduled from February 15th to February 25th.
'La Cocina' boasts a talented cast including Rooney Mara, known for her memorable performances in films such as 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' and 'Carol.' Mara was last seen in Sarah Polley's critically acclaimed film 'Women Talking.' Joining her on screen are Raúl Briones, Anna Diaz, Motell Foster, Oded Fehr, and Eduardo Olmos, ensuring a powerful ensemble performance.
The drama unfolds within the bustling confines of a Manhattan restaurant during the chaotic lunch rush. However, the momentary chaos takes a sinister turn when money mysteriously disappears from the register. As suspicion falls upon the undocumented cooks, Pedro (played by Briones) becomes the prime suspect. Pedro is a dreamer, a troublemaker, and is entangled in a complex romantic relationship with Julia (portrayed by Mara), an American waitress who struggles with commitment.
As the investigation progresses, the restaurant's owner promises Pedro assistance with his immigration papers. However, a shocking revelation about Julia sets off a chain of events that causes Pedro to unravel, resulting in an act that will bring the entire kitchen to a standstill.
Ruizpalacios, the visionary behind 'La Cocina,' confessed that the film originated from his personal experiences working as a dishwasher and waiter at the Rainforest Cafe in downtown London during his student days. It was during this time that he came across Arnold Wesker's play, 'The Kitchen,' which served as a loose inspiration for the script. Ruizpalacios was captivated by the play's exploration of the intricate class dynamics that exist within the kitchen environment, drawing parallels between the hierarchy found in a kitchen crew and that of a ship's crew.
Briones, a talented actor from Mexico, has already garnered recognition for his previous performances. He secured the Supporting Actor Ariel Award for his role in 'Asfixia' in 2019 and later won the Best Actor Ariel Award for his impressive portrayal in 'A Cop Movie' in 2021, a film directed by Ruizpalacios.
Produced by Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Ruizpalacios, Lauren Mann, and Ivan Orlic, 'La Cocina' promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The film has generated considerable buzz within the industry, attracting the attention of Fifth Season and WME who will handle North American sales, while Hanway is responsible for international distribution.
As the anticipation builds, film enthusiasts eagerly await the world premiere of 'La Cocina' at the Berlin Film Festival, where audiences will immerse themselves in the captivating story, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking exploration of the kitchen's elusive ecosystem.
